Leeds have a long and distinguished history in which they have been champions of England three times, and have also won the FA Cup and League Cup.

Leeds also have plenty of European success with 2 Inter Cities Fairs Cups and also reached the final of the 1971/72 European Cup, where they were controversially beaten by Bayern Munich.

At the turn of the century, Leeds were an established Premier League side regularly reaching Europe and even challenging for the title.

Elland Road was a fortress in their Premier League years being an intimidating arena for away teams and fans.

After financial meltdown in 2004, they were relegated and haven't returned since dropping as far down as League 1, and are now an established Championship club.

With a string of controversial chairmen, none more so than current one Massimo Cellino, their fortunes off the pitch always look uncertain.

Leeds will hope under Garry Monk that they can challenge for a return to the big time.

One thing that hasn't changed is the unwavering loyalty of the fans and here are THREE reasons why they are the best in the UK.....

 

Noise

The Championship may not offer the quality of the Premier League, but the allocations of away fans is usually bigger and Leeds fans are always heard at away games.

Seen by many fans as the best away fans in the Championship, Leeds almost always sell out big allocations and make their presence known with chants with the most notable one " Marching on Together " ringing out at away grounds.

Leeds had the highest average away attendance in the Championship last year, despite mediocre results showing their unwavering loyalty to the club.

Loyalty

It has been a frustrating 12 years for Leeds fans, as in 2004 they were playing Valencia in the semi-finals of the Champions League but now they are a Championship club playing the likes of Burton Albion.

After their relegation from the Premier League, crowds dropped as they naturally do, but not as much as expected and even in League 1 they were comfortably pulling in gates of over 20,000.

Leeds have one of the highest average home attendances in the Championship and the best away following despite the turmoil experienced by the club.

The fans nearly bought the club from Massimo Cellino last season until he pulled the plug on the deal.

Envy and hatred

Leeds are one of the most hated sides in England but Leeds fans regularly say that this hatred is more out of envy and that is hard to argue.

They are one of the biggest sides in the Football League and were named the most hated side in England in 2010.

Numerous chants about Leeds like " We all hate Leeds scum " show the obsession other clubs still have for Leeds, despite their fall from grace.

Leeds' fan base revel in this hatred as it reminds them they are still known and respected.

Leeds also have more rivals than nearly all English clubs ranging from Sheffield Wednesday to Manchester United.

Thoughts Leeds fans? Leave comments below!